How does it work?

Guaifenesin is a type of medicine called a cough expectorant. Expectorants are used to treat a productive, chesty or mucus cough, where you cough up phlegm. They work by helping to thin and loosen the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.

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Pseudoephedrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. It relieves a blocked nose by causing the blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses to contract and narrow. This decreases blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses, which reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus.

Can I take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup while pregnant or breastfeeding?

The safety of guaifenesin for use during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, has not been fully established. Pseudoephedrine has blood vessel constricting effects that could restrict blood supply to the placenta, or cause problems for women with a history of pre-eclampsia. Some studies have also suggested that use of pseudoephedrine in the first trimester may be associated with defective closure of the abdominal wall (gastroschisis) in the baby.

When taken by mouth, decongestants such as pseudoephedrine can temporarily decrease the production of breast milk with just one or two doses.

There are many other cough remedies that are known to be safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding that you can try - ask your pharmacist for advice.

What are the possible side effects of Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with guaifenesin and phenylephrine. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup will experience that or any side effect.

Can I take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup with other medicines?

If you're already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup as well, to make sure that the combination is safe.

Don't take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup with other medicines that contain a decongestant, or with other cough medicines containing guaifenesin, or with those that suppress a cough, such as dextromethorphan, pholcodine or codeine. Many over-the-counter painkillers, cough medicines and cold and flu remedies contain these ingredients. It's important to check the ingredients of any medicines you buy without a prescription before taking them with Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup, or ask your pharmacist for advice. Using more than one medicine with the same (or similar) active ingredients at the same time could lead to you exceeding the maximum dose or having a higher risk of side effects.

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It's fine to take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup alongside plain painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, assuming these are appropriate for you.

Don't take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup if you have taken a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. MAOIs include the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and moclobemide, and the anti-Parkinson's medicines selegiline, safinamide and rasagiline. The combination of pseudoephedrine with these medicines could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).

Avoid taking Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup if you're already taking any of the following medicines because the combination may increase your blood pressure:

other decongestants (often found in other non-prescription cough and cold remedies)

the antibiotic linezolid

tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

If you're taking medicines for high blood pressure you shouldn't take Benylin mucus cough plus decongestant syrup as well, because the pseudoephedrine may make your blood pressure medicine less effective.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.